High school softball capsules

Friday

Mar 29, 2013 at 12:41 PMMar 29, 2013 at 12:45 PM

Looks at the Stark County, Galva-Williamsfield, Ridgewood and Bureau Valley softball teams

Mike Landis

Stark County RebelsCoach — Jarrod Hippen2012 — 21-16 overall and lost in the championship game of the Class 1A Annawan-Wethersfield Regional.Returning letterwinners — Danielle Kenney, Mary Jo Groter, Chelsea Knobloch, Liz Hippen, Jade Molln, Alysa Kohler, Samantha McGuire and Kendra Hockett.Top Newcomers — Brycelyn Elliott and Madi Paxson.Lady Rebels at a Glance — “With eight returning starters, we’re pretty excited about the season,” said Coach Hippen. “Liz Hippen will be handling most of the pitching duties, with Kendra Hockett also getting some action on the mound.”“Defensively, we should be solid. Hopefully with the experience from last year, we will cut down the errors.”Hippen is looking to newcomers Elliott and Paxson to fill in at shortstop and first base, respectively.“Offensively, we need to execute the small game better and need to be better hitters up and down the lineup,” said the Stark County coach.

Bureau Valley StormCoach — Brian Humphrey2012 — 15-15 overall and 7-7 in the Three Rivers Conference.Returning starters — Bureau Valley will build around two four-year senior starters in Emily Phillips (2B) and Brandi DeWaele (3B).Phillips is the team’s leadoff hitter, and earned first team All-TRAC9 and third team All-State honors last season. DeWaele bats second in BV’s order.BV also has a pair returning starters in sophomores Irini Petros (1B/P) and Caitlyn Scott (OF).Top Newcomers — Freshman twins Dana Kepner (C) and Darcy Kepner (P/SS), and Ashley Phillips (SS/OF/C). Ashley is the younger sister of Emily.Storm at a Glance — “We have a pretty strong offensive lineup from top to bottom and a very strong infield defensively, but our pitching is young and needs to gain some experience,” said Coach Humphrey.